Sandwell Children’s Trust Management Team

Emma Taylor
Chief Executive and Company Director
Emma Taylor is an experienced leader with a proven track record of delivering good and outstanding Children’s Services. As a qualified social worker and natural collaborator with a relentless focus on improving outcomes, Emma has nurtured meaningful partnerships on a local, regional and national level.
Emma has managed a range of services across a number of different local authorities and brings this extensive experience to Sandwell.
Emma Taylor
Chief Executive

Steven Gauntley
Director of Operations and Company Director
Steven has a wide range of social work and management experience within local authorities and the voluntary sector.
Steven has previously worked for Ofsted as Her Majesty’s Social Care Inspector, since leaving Ofsted Steven has utilised this experience and worked with several local authorities leading on performance management initiatives driving organisational development, service improvement and change.
Previously Steven has been responsible for children and family social work teams in senior positions and has also worked for a national children’s charity. His experience includes child-protection and safeguarding, intervention and prevention and looked after children.
This is a pivotal time for Sandwell, I’m looking forward to working together to improve services and deliver good outcomes for children and young people.
Steven Gauntley
Director of Operations

Tara Malik
Director of Resources and Company Secretary
With over 20 years’ experience of delivering change in the public and voluntary sector, Tara is an innovative and dynamic leader. Passionate about making a difference, she has led high performing teams across a range of disciplines.
As Director of Resources, Tara is committed to improving the lives of children and young people in Sandwell. Through effective collaboration and partnership, Tara will build an environment where the child comes first and excellent social work can flourish.
Tara Malik
Director of Resources

Teo Bot
Director of Practice, Quality & Partnerships
As Director of Practice, Quality & Partnerships Teo brings the experience and insight she gained as she supported two previous Local Authority Children’s Services through their improvement journey.
Teo is committed to the outcomes of all children and young people, and as a qualified social worker is a great believer in supporting our most vulnerable through high quality social work. Teo is a passionate advocate for the child, promoting participation at every opportunity and encouraging the co-design of the services which will impact their lives.
Teo Bot
Director of Practice, Quality & Partnerships